The political establishment's treatment of children has been "unacceptable", and the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) will take a stronger role in campaigning on this over the next three years, the association's AGM was told at the weekend.
Ms Anne Murray, who became president of the ICA for a three-year term on Saturday, said decades of paying lip service to families and particularly to children "must end".
"We in the ICA must use our voice and our influence to make this happen. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, and in the wake of the Celtic Tiger, that children with special needs do not get the services that could make such a significant difference to their lives."
"It is unacceptable that our children who need it do not get specialist assessment at the earliest possible moment."
She also decried overcrowded classrooms, unfit school buildings and the lack of support services for children with special learning needs. "As a teacher I have worked with young people for many years. For some the system has helped them. But for far too many society and the system have failed."
She said the ICA must have a stronger role in campaigning for the rights of young people.
"However, I believe that if we are to do this then we must go well beyond talking about the issues and demanding solutions. We must ensure we understand the issues in depth, and that we make our own contribution to changing the situation."
